Any party at home, the humble hummus surely makes it’s presence or even if we go to any restaurant a Lebanese platter surely makes it’s entry. Hummus, one of world’s best dip is happens to be all time favourite of many. Hummus, also known as “hommos,”, “houmous,” “humus,” which in Arabic word means chickpea. This dip/ spread that is made with from boiled and blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt make for a great source of fiber and protein. Many even refer Hummus to be an aphrodisiac.
Going back to the history of Hummus, the oldest recipe "hummus bi tahini" was recorded way back in 13th century cookbooks. Across the world many cultures be it the Lebanese, Turks or even the Iranians love to claim and own to be the founder of this dip and call it their own, but the truth being that hummus has in food culture for so long that the exact origin still remains a mystery or rather has gotten lost somewhere. Going back to civilisation it’s known that Chickpeas were cultivated in Middle East more than 10,000 years ago and being packed with fiber, and folic acid they were also a good substitute for coffee.
Hummus that is popular in Middle East, North Africa, and also in Mediterranean also sees many different types of flavours. This dip that is rather simple to make. It was said that since oil is good for health, hummus was always topped with a dollop of tahini also with a few drizzles of olive oil. Hummus which is also a regional metaphor, and is loved by most across the globe. Syrian-Lebanese author of several Middle Eastern cookbooks, Anissa Helou, says “one of the earliest legumes ever cultivated.” The combination of tahini and chickpea blend make for a popular dish.
This gluten free dish, dairy-free spread that goes best with some crackers, pita apples, pretzels, carrots, bell peppers and more hummus taste great when eaten with some falafel, grilled chicken too. Also for hummus you can have it just like that too. It’s also said that hummus also finds it’s mention in It was mentioned in the Jewish bible that was written 3,500 years ago. At times hummus is also garnished with shredded pumpkin and black tahini. The Hebrew Bible also mentions “Come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the hometz.”
Interestingly Hummus has even broken records as in May 2010, the Guinness World Record created the largest hummus made by 300 cooks that weighed approximately 23,000 lbs. This chickpea delicacy, that’s super creamy and sees different flavor variations, was once commonly eaten on the streets of Ancient Rome. Even Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates too have made reference about and this dip’s nutritious value is also seen in their writings.
Be it as dip, sandwich filling or vegetable topping hummus is relished in many ways and each is equally delicious.